Three prospective doctors and a shared story of support. RSU students receive the Ilgonis Gunārs Brasliņš Memorial Scholarship

RSU Foundation, in collaboration with Australian Assoc. Prof. Phillip Braslins, is administering the Ilgonis Gunārs Brasliņš Memorial Scholarship for second-year students in the Medicine study programme. This support is not only practical assistance in everyday life, but also an expressive acknowledgment that a student’s hard work, diligence, and determination are noticed and appreciated at the moment when the study workload is particularly intense.

The funding for the Ilgonis Gunārs Brasliņš Memorial Scholarship is donated by his son, Assoc. Prof. Phillip Braslins.

The aim of the scholarship is to maintain the family's connection with Latvia, symbolically ensuring that the memory of Ilgons Gunārs Brasliņš will always be kept alive in Riga. The scholarship was intended to be awarded to two second-year students of the RSU Faculty of Medicine, but after evaluating the applications, it was granted to three students – Beatrise Gulbe, Enija Veidemane, and Kristīne Dzene. We asked the students about their chosen carrier and the impact of the scholarship on achieving their goals.

Why did you choose to study medicine?

Beatrise Gulbe: I chose to study medicine because ever since primary school, I have been interested in understanding why and how various processes take place in the human body and what mechanisms lead to the development of diseases.

I developed this interest by participating in Carrier Shadow Days, during which I had the opportunity to meet doctors from different medical specialties, including a gastroenterologist, an emergency care physician, and a narcologist. However, the decisive turning point in my choice came in 2022, when I spent three hours observing an aortic heart surgery at Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, performed by Dr Mārtiņš Kalējs. This experience gave me a completely new perspective on the medical profession. I was particularly inspired by the high level of teamwork, the enormous responsibility, and the extensive knowledge required to perform such surgeries. At that moment, I realised that I wanted to follow in their footsteps, and it was then that I set my goal to study medicine after finishing secondary school.

Enija Veidemane: I have learned about medicine as a patient. This allowed me to see both the shortcomings of the field and also how knowledgeable and inspiring doctors can influence lives positively. I have always found medicine very interesting, and I want to provide others with the same assistance that was given to me.

Kristīne Dzene: I chose to study medicine because, since childhood, the hospital was a place where, despite my anxiety, I felt understood and cared for, and the supportive staff at the Children’s Clinical University Hospital gradually gave me the confidence to pursue a career in medicine.

I am particularly motivated to use my knowledge to help people in a practical way, so in secondary school I deliberately enrolled in a biochemistry class, where I studied biology and chemistry in depth in order to successfully be admitted in the RSU Faculty of Medicine.

How do you evaluate your studies at the RSU Faculty of Medicine?

Beatrise Gulbe: I really enjoy studying at the RSU Faculty of Medicine. Studies are intensive, but at the same time the knowledge I have gained is very real and practically applicable.

The curriculum is not detached from reality, but instead gradually forms the basis for clinical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the human body.

The study process develops not only theoretical knowledge, but also discipline, time management skills, and the ability to work under increased workload and stress, which, in my opinion, is an integral part of the medical profession. Although the workload can be intense and challenging, especially during colloquium periods, the satisfaction of what has been accomplished and the visible progress in knowledge fully outweigh these difficulties.

Enija Veidemane: Studying can be challenging, but it is definitely also exciting. The workload is large, so discipline is necessary to complete everything on time and to a high standard.

Although I put a lot of work into my studies, it is always worth it, as I get a great sense of satisfaction from what I accomplish, and I understand that everything I learn will be useful in my future career.

Kristīne Dzene: I have a positive opinion about studying at the RSU Faculty of Medicine because, although highly demanding, the learning process clearly shows how the knowledge acquired can later be used in practice. I also like the structure of the studies, as the study course materials are available in due time, there are often self-assessment tests, and almost every course includes a practical component, such as dissection in anatomy or laboratory work in medical biochemistry.

I highly appreciate the professionalism and responsiveness of the lecturers, and overall, the studies not only develop theoretical knowledge, but also consistently train a sense of responsibility, discipline, and critical thinking on a daily basis.

 Why did you apply for the scholarship, and how will it help in your studies?

Beatrise Gulbe: I applied for the scholarship because medical studies require a significant investment of time, as well as emotional and financial resources.

The awarded scholarship gives me a greater sense of independence and security, allowing me to fully focus on my studies rather than financial concerns.

 It helps cover my daily expenses and also set aside some resources for savings, so that I have a small financial reserve for the future.

Enija Veidemane: I learned about the opportunity to apply from an email sent by the university. It caught my interest, and I decided that it was worth applying for the scholarship. I will use the scholarship to cover expenses related to my studies and personal medical costs.

Kristīne Dzene: I applied for the scholarship because I met the criteria, and such support would be essential during my studies. Studies at the Faculty of Medicine are intensive and time-consuming, so the scholarship would allow me to focus more on my learning process and worry less about financial challenges.

What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Beatrise Gulbe: I associate my future plans with professional growth in medicine and a purposeful choice of carrier specialisation. At the moment, I am considering my career in the field of internal medicine, as I am particularly interested in comprehensive assessment of a patient’s health and long-term treatment. In ten years, I see myself as a competent and responsible young doctor who, with up-to-date knowledge and strong professional motivation, can listen to and support patients. In my work, I will continuously develop my knowledge and rely only on evidence-based medical principles.

Enija Veidemane: In 10 years, I hope to be a doctor who feels fulfilled and inspired in my daily work and who has a loving and supportive family waiting for me at home.

Kristīne Dzene: In the future, I am planning to successfully complete my medical studies and continue my residency in one of the clinical fields. At the moment, it is difficult to specify what field I will choose, as in my second year of studies clinical rotations in various medical specialisations have not yet begun. However, I realise that I want to do practical work – with my hands.

In 10 years, I see myself as a knowledgeable, responsible, responsive, and professional doctor in my field, who improves their knowledge every day and provides quality care to patients in Latvia.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Beatrise Gulbe: In my free time, I enjoy attending body & mind classes, such as pilates and body art, as they help maintain physical fitness and improve emotional wellbeing. In these classes, I regain energy, reduce stress, and briefly disconnect from the thoughts and worries associated with the intensive study routine. I also enjoy listening to podcasts on personal development, motivation, and current social issues to broaden my horizons and get new ideas in various areas of life.

Enija Veidemane: I enjoy spending my free time with my family and friends, walking in nature, and reading books.

In my opinion, it is important to find a hobby during your studies that is engaging and relaxing from your daily workload.

Kristīne Dzene: In my free time from studying, I work part-time, but as a hobby I try to engage in physical activities as much as possible. Now, during this unusually white winter in Latvia, these include snow-related activities in nature – skating, occasionally skiing, as well as simply taking longer walks. To stay in shape, I do weightlifting twice a week. It helps me release the accumulated stress, improve my concentration and sleep quality, so that I can focus on my studies with full energy again!

About the Ilgonis Gunārs Brasliņš Memorial Scholarship

The Ilgonis Gunārs Brasliņš Memorial Scholarship for students is not only a concrete form of financial support that allows students to plan their daily expenses more securely, but it also sends a clear signal that the university and the donor trust students who have chosen a responsible and socially important profession.